President George M. Weah on Tuesday, 16th of August 2022, led the European Union Head of Delegation and a team of senior government officials at the official commissioning ceremony of the newly constructed Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) Congo Town Substation, located in the Transformer Community, on the Old Road.
This was a project Implemented under the “Monrovia Consolidation of Electricity Transmission and Distribution Project” the construction of the substation was funded by the European Union (EU) under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) with a total budget of EURO 48.1M (US$51.3 million).
The dedication of the project which brought together the Head and delegation of the EU, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning including Community residents was also aimed to address the increasing electricity demand in Monrovia and its environs.
Speaking during the official cutting of the ribbon of the New 66/22 kilovolt (kv) 40 megawatt (MW) Congo Town Substation, President Weah termed the dedication of the LEC substation as a clear manifestation of his government’s commitment to adequately supporting Liberia’s Energy Sector.
President Weah said the project demonstrates a strong lasting and fruitful bilateral relations between Liberia and the European Union, mentioning, “The EU, has once again proven to Liberians their willingness in supporting the reconstruction drive of this country.”
He added, “On this note, my government and Liberians are grateful for this great milestone and gift from the EU because this substation will now bring a great relief to residents across Montserrado County.’’
President Weah, however, called on the management of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) to work along with its partners aimed at putting into place a vibrant monitoring system and mechanism to control and monitor the adequate distribution of electricity across Liberia.
Meanwhile, President Weah has commended the European Union (EU) and other partners for their continuous support to the country’s electricity sector.
In a related development, President George Weah says he is optimistic that the new LEC Management Team headed by Honorable Monnie R. Captan will transform the country’s electricity sector giving the short-term transformation here at the entity.
The Liberian Leader also praised the current Management Team of the LEC, for the steady transformation of the entity thus stating that, “only Liberians themselves that can better develop their country.” According to President Weah, having a management team of Liberians was one of the series of proposals made by his government in collaboration with development partners to improve the LEC through robust service delivery.
He is at the same time, calling on the new Liberian Management team and partners to develop a strategic framework that will put an end to power theft which undermines the efforts of government and its donor partners.
“Power theft continues to impede the growth of the energy sector for which a plan must be crafted to curtail the menace, which is a serious national threat to the energy sector” says President Weah.
He pleaded with all Liberians to stop all forms of illegal connections because it is something that leads to the loss of lives and properties and also affects the smooth operation of the LEC.
The commissioning of the Congo Town Sub-station is part of projects dedicated by President Weah during his ongoing county tour as he climaxes in Montserrado County.
The Head of Delegation of the European Union to Liberia Ambassador Laurent Delahousse said the EU is proud to be funding a project that will improve the livelihoods of Liberians.
“In the global village, there can be no substantial development without electricity. Light is life. I am proud and glad that the people of the European Union contributed with this great project to improve the livelihoods of many Liberians”, he added.
EU Ambassador to Liberia Laurent Delahousse said:” Power theft is not only criminal but endangers the lives of citizens.” He also frowned at other community residents in the constant habit of attacking LEC workers fighting power theft.
The EU Ambassador thanked the Liberian Government for facilitating the construction of the sub-station, which, he said will help residents of the benefiting communities.
Also speaking, LEC Board Chairman, Monie Captan, said:” Liberia is expected to begin benefiting electricity through the Transco CLSG line by November this year.”
Mr. Captan said:” The goal of the LEC is to provide electricity to over two-hundred-thousand persons by next year.”
The LEC Board Chair also said that electricity supply has reached Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County, with efforts to connect Grand Gedeh County soon.
According to Mr. Captan, with the construction of the Congo Town Substation on the Old Road, and the and the extension of additional three substations around Monrovia, the LEC is now providing electricity to approximately 41,000 houses.
Mr. Captan, further said, that more than 70 communities in Central Monrovia, Sinkor, Congo Town, Paynesville, and outside of Monrovia are currently benefiting from the Mount Coffee Hydro Power Plant with an increased capacity and use of cost-efficient means.
Mr. Captan, on behalf of the LEC management, commended the government of Liberia and the European Union (EU) delegation to Liberia for the continuous support towards the electricity sector of the country, as well as the citizens of the Transformer Community for their tireless support and efforts in ensuring that the project is actualized.
Meanwhile, the management of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), with support from central government and its development partners are exerting frantic efforts to expand access to the national electricity grid through an extension from the Mount Coffee Hydro Power Plant, connection to the West African Power Poll and other internationally supported energy projects.
